Sean Payton Explains Why Broncos Really Signed Taylor Rapp

Last week, the Denver Broncos signed veteran safety Taylor Rapp.

The signing came one day before the Broncos' second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, so Rapp did not suit up. There wasn't even an opportunity for him to practice, let alone get familiar with the playbook.

However, cut to Monday, and the Broncos are back on the field to prepare for Friday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings. We also learned from head coach Sean Payton why the Broncos signed the veteran safety.

"Veteran player we liked, and had good grades on," Payton said of Rapp. "And just more talent at that position."

Implications on Broncos' Safety Depth

Devon Key and P.J. Locke — Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) celebrates with safety Devon Key (26) after intercepting a pass during the third quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Many, including yours truly, interpreted the Rapp move as a sign that Denver wasn't fully convinced in its safety depth. With P.J. Locke departing to Dallas this past offseason, the Broncos have a big hole to fill at the No. 3 safety spot, and the play of the depth players behind starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones hasn't inspired much confidence from the outside looking in.

However, Payton seemed aware of the potential implications the Rapp signing could have on the Broncos' competition at safety, and how it could be interpreted, and got ahead of the issue.

"It wasn't, like, us pounding the table, 'We need a safety,'" Payton said. "It was, 'Hey, this player's available and let's work him out and sign him if possible,' so I'm glad he's here."

Rapp's arrival could push Devon Key down a spot on the depth chart. Key had been the leader in the clubhouse to take Locke's former spot as the No. 3 safety, but he's yet to fully lay claim to it with his play on the field, although, as a first-team All-Pro special teams ace, his place on the roster is secure.

Beyond Key, JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson, Miles Scott, and Parker Robertson have been competing. What were two potential roster spots open at safety have now been trimmed to one with Rapp joining the club.

Skinner, Anderson, Scott, and Robertson have all had a moment or two in the preseason, but have mostly left much to be desired on defense. If the Broncos keep five safeties out of camp, as they have the past few years under Payton, it will be interesting to see which of these four players gets the nod.

Skinner is a former sixth-round pick and was part of Payton's first draft class as Broncos head coach. Scott is a seventh-round rookie still finding his way, while Robertson went undrafted this past spring, and has been working to overcome the odds.

Anderson was Denver's only outside free-agent signing in March. A young veteran, he didn't bring much experience on defense to the table, but like Skinner, Anderson is an accomplished contributor in the third phase.

Rapp's Talents

Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (9) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Time will tell how the competition ultimately shakes out, but the Broncos saw an opportunity to upgrade the safety position, regardless of the team's exact motivations. Payton likes what Rapp brings to the table, especially his between-the-ears attributes.

"We've had experience playing against him," Payton said of Rapp. "He's got real good football instincts and awareness that serves you well at that position. So I think it was more availability than necessity, if that makes sense."

Rapp was a Los Angeles Rams second-round draft pick in 2019. He helped the Rams win a Super Bowl before departing to Upstate New York, where he's spent the past three seasons playing for the Buffalo Bills.

A knee injury cut Rapp's 2025 season short, which was a big reason the Bills released him this past offseason. The Broncos must have been comfortable with his recovery after working him out about a week before signing him.

Rapp brings a wealth of experience to the table, having appeared in 93 games, with 72 starts. He started on the Rams' Super Bowl LVI-champion team and has a lot of live-bullet experience playing in big-moment games.

Rapp has 12 career interceptions and has exceeded the 80-tackle mark four times in his career, including his rookie year, when he notched 100 tackles. The 6-foot, 208-pound safety played his college ball at the University of Washington, where he produced a decorated career.

Maybe Broncos fans will get to see Rapp on Friday against the Vikings, but it wouldn't surprise me if the team waits until the regular-season opener on September 14 to debut him. The Broncos will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday Night Football.

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